Investigating the Factor Structure of Challenges and Strategies of Rapeseed Production Development (Studied Case: Alborz Province)

The main purpose of this research was to study of rapeseed production challenges, as well as providing strategies for the development of this crop in Alborz Province. This descriptive-correctional study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage of this research, due to lack of comprehensive empirical background on the challenges of development of rapeseed cultivation in Alborz Province, the most important challenges and strategies for the development of rapeseed cultivation were collected from the perspective of experienced experts in the Organization and Management of Jihad-e-Agriculture, elite farmers and researchers through interviews. The statistical population of this part of the study was experienced experts, elite farmers and researchers in the field of research. Respondents were selected using non-probability snowball sampling. As a result of implementation of this stage and after the validity test, 46 and 27 variables were extracted as the most important challenges and strategies for the development of rapeseed cultivation in Alborz Province, respectively. In the second stage, in order to determine the importance of each identified variable from farmers' viewpoint, a questionnaire was designed in a Likert scale format and after the implementation of the pre-test and verification of its validity and reliability was given to the respondents. The statistical population of this part of the study included all farmers who were active in rapeseed cultivation during the last three years in the study area (N=142). Based on the results of factor analysis, the identified challenges were categorized into five factors, including: "poor supporting conditions; lack of resources, inputs and infrastructures; weak performance of educational-extension institutions; inadequate farm management; and plant physiological characteristics". The identified strategies were also categorized into three factors, including: "supply of inputs and infrastructures; financial support; and provision of research, extension and educational services". Improving the performance and efficiency of the Agricultural Insurance Fund, proper training of rapeseed field management by experts, and supplying and injecting special machinery for the agricultural sector are some of the suggestions that the results of this study offers to develop rapeseed cultivation in Alborz province.